Reduce Water Waste: There's Life in Every Drop
Water is a vital part of everyday life! People use it at home, in the garden, on the farm and in the office. It is also essential to the continuing health of the natural environment; our Highland rivers, lochs, wetlands and the wildlife.
While Scotland does not currently experience water shortages, Climate Change is expected to lead to longer dry periods in the future, particularly during summer. For example, the Met Office reported that Jan-Jun 2010 was the driest in Scotland for 70 years. In contrast, water demand in Scotland continues to increase, with non domestic water use predicted to rise 15% by 2015. In order to adapt to climate change, and the expected changes in the seasonality of our water supply, it is prudent to reduce our water use.
This will also:
- Save money
- Reduce carbon emissions.
- Contribute to the continuing health of our valuable ecosystems.
For example, a four person family with a water meter installed could replace a high flow rate shower head with a water efficient one and save approximately £75 off their water bill each year. It is estimated that the energy used to pump, treat and heat water accounts for 5% of the UK's total carbon emissions. In addition to saving money through water savings the same family could save a further £50 off their gas bill. Envirowise has also reported that UK business could save up to £10 million a day by managing their water use more efficiently.
The Key to Water Minimisation:
Water saving is about reducing the amount of water we waste, not restricting the amount we drink or use to wash! Each person in Scotland currently uses about 150 litres a day, with a third of this being wasted. For example:
- A dripping tap can waste up to 5,500 litres of water a year, enough to fill 15 paddling pools
See our water saving tips for information on how you can reduce your water waste.
What The Highland Council is doing to Reduce Water Waste
The Highland Council is currently reviewing water use in all its buildings to identify where further savings can be made. Water saving Hippos are being installed in all Council buildings, while a number of other water efficiency measures, like spray and push taps, are currently being trialled. In addition, the Council is undertaking a campaign to raise awareness and promote water minimisation in schools and amongst all council staff and Members.
Useful Web Links
Follow the links on the right hand side of the page to learn more about water, the impacts of water waste and what you can do to reduce it!
